Transportation fare apparatus



Nov. 17, 1953 P. E. DU PONT Filed April 3, 1950 TRANSPORTATION FARE APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet l BY 3 g ;7,%. 1' RTTORNE).

P. E. DU PONT TRANSPORTATION FARE. APPARATUS Nov. 17, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 5, 1950 I N V EN TOR. fJ/Ol? E 01/ Pam BY .4 fro/MEX on Q Q.

DDDDDDQ Nov. 17, 1953 P. E. DU PONT TRANSPORTATION FARE APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 3, 1950 INVENTOR. PMS/0A7 5. 00/ 0/77 BY Z ATTORNEK Nov. 17, 1953 Filed April 5, 1950 P. E. DU PONT TRANSPORTATION FARE APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

Nov. 17, 1953 P. E. DU PONT TRANSPORTATION FARE APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 3, 1950 INVENTOR. finest/7 E fla arrr BY l HTTORNE a Nov. 17, 1953 P. E. DU PONT TRANSPORTATION FARE APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 3, 1950 F .11. INVENTOR.

Patented Nov. 17, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TRANSPORTATION FARE APPARATUS Preston E. Du Pont, Kansas City, Mo. Application April 3, 1950, Serial N 0. 153,689

Claims.

This invention relates to a collection system for use in connection with rendering services, handling of vendable merchandise and the like and has to do with mechanism for automatically returning change to a customer in accordance with the extent of services rendered such as in connection with public conveyances and the usual fare that is paid for such services.

While the entire system of this invention may well be adapted to various fields with perhaps minor changes, the structure herein disclosed has been designed primarily for use in connection with public conveyances such as busses, streetcars and the like.

It is common knowledge that a standard fare is collected upon entering the conveyance from each passenger irrespective of where the passenger comes aboard and irrespective further of how far the passenger travels before leaving the bus or streetcar. This system is manifestly unfair not only to the public service company but to the public. Those who travel only a short distance must pay the same amount as those who travel many miles from one end of a particular line to another.

It is the primary object of the present invention therefore, to provide a system of collecting fares for public conveyances that will be proportionate in amount to the distance traveled and having as a part thereof, means to return to the customer his change in accordance with the distance traveled, irrespective of where he boards the conveyance or where he disembarks.

It is the most important object of the present invention to provide a combination card-reading device and change-return mechanism adapted for use in connection with a card punching device, all of which are mounted upon the public conveyance itself and utilized to indicate where the passenger boards the bus and to return a portion of the original fare that is paid in accordance with the distance traveled.

It is contemplated by this invention that there be provided a machine on the bus adjacent the point of entry that is capable of punching a relatively small card taking the form of a receipt for an initial set fare that is paid by each passenger upon boarding. Such mechanism is to be adapted to punch the card or otherwise mark the same, to indicate a particular zone of boarding and, as will hereinafter be made clear, such device will be progressively stepped-up by the motorman as the bus progresses from zone to zone.

Accordingly, it is an importantobject of the present invention to provide mechanism for receiving the aforesaid punched card as the passenger leaves the bus, to read such card and to return to the passenger before he leaves the bus, the proper amount of change in accordance with the distance travelled.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a card-reading device having as a part thereof, mechanism that is manually stepped-up by the motorman as the bus progresses from zone to zone to the end that change will be returned to the passenger in accordance with the number of zones traversed while he remains on the vehicle.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a system as above set forth including structure for returning change that is directly responsible to the card-reading mechanism and capable of returning one or more coins in accordance with the number of holes that are initially punched in the card and further in accordance with the number of times that a computer has been manually stepped-up by the motorman in accordance with the number of zones through which the bus travels while the particular passenger remains thereon.

Other important objects include the way in which means is provided to reject invalid cards; the manner of preventing operation except upon insertion of the card in reading mechanism in a proper manner; the manner of rendering the card-reading mechanism incapable of receiving more than one card at a time; the way in which the motorman is notified when a defective card is inserted into the card-reading device; the manner of returning the entire assembly of parts to a normal condition after each cycle of operation; the way in which fraud is prevented through mechanism that may be changed from time to time such as at the end of each run or daily as suits the desire of the service company; the way in which the entire system can be easily and quickly readjusted to vary its operation in accordance with a change in the maximum basic fare that is set by the company or a change in the desired charge sequence per zone; and the way in which the entire system is designed to render the same universally adaptable for many uses other than that particularly herein set forth.

As will hereinafter appear, the invention additionally includes a multitude of more minor objects, all of which will be made clear or become apparent as the following specification progresses.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatical, schematic representation showing the card-reading mechanism 3 and certain of the electrical parts and couplings forming a part of transportation fare apparatus embodying my present invention.

Fig. 1a is a schematic diagram illustrating in part structure responsive to the aforesaid reading mechanism and including a portion of the structure for returning change in accordance with the functions of the card-reading assembly.

Fig. lb is a fragmentary, schematic view illustrating the prime mover, its manner of continuously driving an arm having contact brushes thereon, and the way in which such structure is electrically coupled.

Fig. 2 is a substantially, central sectional view similar to Fig. lb and including the latter with additional parts relating to manualstep-up means for operation as the conveyance passes from zone to zone along its route? 1 Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the cardreading mechanism per se.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view taken at right angles to Fig. 3. r

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the coin return mechanism and including certain of the electrical interconnections forming a part there- 0 of. I

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, end elevational view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, detailed elevational view showing a part of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is afragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line VIII VI II of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view illustrating a control disc forming a part of the structure for indicating to the oper' atoror passenger the amount of fare returned to a passenger, or amount of fare charged, whichever is desired.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, rear elevational view of the main control disc for determining the amount of fare to be returned. I

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary, front elevational View of the disc shown in F1510. 2

Fig. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary, crosssectional view taken on'line XII-XI1 of Fig. '11.

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view illustrating a punched card to be read by the apparatus.

Fig. 14 is a side elevational-view illustrating a card of the same characteras shown in- Fig. 13 and punched in a slightly different manner.

Fig. 15 is a-fragmentary, detailed, cross-sectional view taken on' line XVXV of Fig. 1;

In the drawings, the numeral (Figs. 3 and 4) designates a polygonal frameof the card reading portion of the apparatus. A drive-shaft-ZZ rotatably mounted in :frame 20 has a' resilient disc wheel 24- (see'also Fig. 1), mounted on the shaft 22 intermediate thesides-of the frame 20 and rotates with shaft 22. A pinion 26 mounted onthe shaft 22 adjacent to and outside of frame 20 engages a matching pinion28 mounted on an interconnecting" shaft 30 rotatably affixed to frame 20 perpendicular to theaXis of rotation of shaft 22.

A bevel pinion 32 mounted on the upper end of shaft 30 engages a matching pinion 34 affixed toa shaft 36 which is rotatably mounted in frame 20 in parallel relationship to shaft 22. A resilient disc wheel 38is mounted on shaft 38 and rotates therewith.

A 'bevel pinion 40 affixed to the lower end of shaft 30 engages a pinion 42 which is mounted on the end of a shaft 44 adjacent toand outside of frame 20. Shaft is rotatably mounted in 4 frame 20 in parallel relationship to shaft 22. A resilient disc wheel 46 is mounted on shaft 44 intermediate the sides of frame 20.

A bevel pinion 48 mounted on shaft 30 intermediate pinions 28 and 40 engages a pinion 52 mounted on a rearwardly extending shaft rotatably mounted to frame 20. A bevel pinion 54 on the end of shaft 50 engages a matching pinion 5t affixed to the end of a transverse shaft 5i) rotatably' mounted to frame 20 and having a resilient disc wheel mounted thereon.

A plurality of push rods 62 (Figs. 1, 4 and 15) each having a tubular slide 64 affixed to the upper end thereof, engage a like number of cams I 66, therotantn of which impart reciprocable motio'n to r'ods62 and their slides 64. A parallel fit) guide rod 68 rigid to frame 20 is provided for each slide fifre spectively. Rods B2, slides 64 and guides 68 are all of electrically conducting material, rods 62 each having an insulating strip 1 I therein separating the same electrically from cams 66. Guides BBare joined to frameZO by brackets I3, of insulating material and two of the guides 68 are electrically joined by a flexible, Y-shaped, conductor-65. Each slide 64 has an electrical current conducting brush I I2 attached thereto.

Cams 68 are positioned individually by gears HI affixed to cams 6B and-rotatably mounted on a common shaft '12 withcams 66 The center gear I0 is driven by a corresponding gear I4 rotatably mounted on frame 20 and each gear 70 is rotated by a conventional ratchet mechanism 16 which is in turn actuated by a solenoid I8. One of the mechanisms I6 is on gear 14, the remainder being directly on the two outer gears 10. Coil springs affixed to frame 20 and push rods 62 bias rods 62 into engagement with their earns 66.

A curved guiding shield 82 is disposed at one side of a slot-like opening 84 in frame 20 and a slidable door 86 is movable in and out of closing relationship with opening 84 by the action of a solenoid B8. A pair of spaced-apart gates 90 are secured to a pivotally mounted crank 92 which is rotatably mounted on frame 20 and actuated by a solenoid 94; Gates 90 alternately move in and outof closing relationship withan elongated, vertical cardjpassageway 96 beneath opening 84. A sectionalvertical slide plate having sections 98,- I08 and. I 36 forms the rear wall of way 96. I A-guide' plate l00;be10w opening 84 converges with'section 9B 'as'the'lowermost end' thereof isapproached.

-A pivotally mounted cam lever I02, springloaded as at' I06; extendsinto passageway 95 and closes a normallyopen'switch I04 when lever I02 is moved-downwardly in passageway'SG; The sectionl08 is'of dielectri'cmaterial' and has a pair of elongated; vertical'metallic strips Ill! and i ll embeddedin one face thereof. The

.-connects guides 68 of one of the two'rods 62 brush N2 of one rod 62 slidably engages strip H0 (Figul5) while brushes H2 of two additional rods 62 slide on strip' lllas earns 56 and rotated. It-isnoted that the" flexible conductor strip 65 with the guide'"68. of the single rod 62 of'strip H0 and thatia brush I52 slidably engages the other of the pair of rods 62.

A lever Il piv otallyj mounted intermediate theends there'of to frame 2U1xtnds into passageway 96,the oppositeend being cam shaped and engaging a'switch nsflswicch lliiisnormally open and is closed by lever II4 when the end in passageway 96 is moved downwardly. A

spring II8 biases lever II4 into the normal position with switch 6 open, the spring II8 being attached to one end of lever II 4 and to the frame 20.

A wedge-shaped, diverting plate I is pivotally mounted to frame 20 with the apex edge thereof movable into and out of the passageway 96. Asolenoid I22 is connected to an arm I24 attached to one side edge of plate I20 for actuating the latter, and an elongated, rigidly mounted diverting plate I26 is located in alignment with plate I20 when the latter is across the passageway 96.

A pair of swingable levers I28 and I32, each extend at one end beyond the plate I26 and have their opposite ends cam-shaped for closing a normally open switch I30 and opening a normally closed switch I 34 respectively.

Lower section I36 is formed of dielectric material and extends downwardly from diverting plate I20. Metallic conductors I38 and I44 embedded in section I36 receive conducting resilient brushes I40 and I42 respectively mounted on frame 20 and insulated therefrom.

A spring-loaded lever I46 pivotally mounted intermediate the ends thereof to frame 20 extends across passageway 96 and operates a double pole, single throw switch I 48.

A prime mover I 54 (Fig. 2) mounted on a rigid, sectional frame I56, is connected by worm I58 and gear I60 to rotate a hollow shaft I62 having gear I60 thereon. Shaft I62 is journalled in bearings I64 supported in frame I56, and a dielectric arm I66 is affixed to one end of shaft I62. A plurality of resilient fingers I68 (Figs.

1b and 2) mounted in two groups along radial lines in opposed relationship to each other on arm I66 engage individually an equal number of concentric slip rings I10 mounted on a dielectric portion I51 on frame I56 and contact points I12 mounted in the face of rotatable disc I14 (Figs. la, 11) and 2). The fingers I68 function to make an electrical circuit between slip rings I10 and contact points I12. Points I 12 may be selectively joined together by conductor strips I15 (see also Figs. 10 to 12 inclusive) which terminate at a contact point I16 near the periphery of disc I14 where they are engaged by a spring-loaded brush I18 reciprocably mounted in a brush holder I affixed to frame I56. Points I12 have an internally threaded recess to receive a screw I13 which will complete the electrical circuits between strips I15 and points I12.

Disc I14 is mounted on one end of shaft I82 and is carried and rotated thereby. Shaft I82 extends through and beyond hollow shaft I62 and is further supported in bearings I84 mounted in frame I56. A second disc I86 formed of dielectric material is mounted on shaft I82 and rotates therewith. A plurality of concentric slip rings I88 in spaced-apart relationship are disposed on one face of disc I86 and a plurality of spring-loaded brushes I90 reciprocably mounted in brush holders I92 attached to frame I56 engage a plurality of equally spaced electrical contacts I94 located in spaced-apart relationship around the periphery of disc I86.

Shaft I82 is positioned by an escapement mechanism I96 (Fig. 8) having a toothed wheel I98 mounted on shaft I82. The number of teeth on wheel I98 is equal to the number of contacts I94 on disc I86 and contacts I 16 on disc I14. A lever 200 having thereon a pair of spacedapart pallets202 is pivotally mounted to frame I56. A solenoid 204 (Fig. 2) is connected to lever 200 by a link 206 which moves the lever 200 in one direction against the action of the spring 208. A resilient brush 209 mounted on shaft I82 engages a circular row of contacts 2I0, there being one contact for each position of the shaft I82.

A plurality of coin holders 2I2 (Figs. 5 to 7 inclusive) which store coins of various denominations are disposed over a funnel-shaped chute 2I4. Immediately below the chute 2I4, a swingable gate 2I6 is pivotally mounted at the intersection of a pair of conduits 2I8 having the 0pposed ends in spaced-apart relationship. Gate H6 is held in its normal position by a spring 220 and moved therefrom to a second position designated by the broken lines in Fig. '5 by the action of a solenoid 222.

A slidable door 224 (Fig. 7) closes the lower end of each of the chutes 2I8 respectively and is held in a normally closed position by a spring 226 acting through a pivotally mounted bell crank 228. A solenoid 230 opens door 224 by overcoming the pull of spring 226 and rotating crank 228, one end of which engages door 224. A striker plate 232 engages a switch 233 when touched by the operators hand being placed in change-receiving position beneath the end of chute 2I8.

A lever portion 234 (Fig. 1a) of a lever operated switch 236 extends into each coin tube 2I2 respectively and has its position determined by the presence or absence of coins in tube 2I2. An ejector slide 238 beneath each coin tube 2!! is arranged to discharge a predetermined number of coins for each operation, when actuated by a solenoid 240. Ejector 238 is returned to its normal position of operation by the biasing effect of a spring 242. Movement of the slide 238 actuates a normally open switch 244 and a normally closed switch 246. Ejector slide 238 may be used to discharge either a single coin or a plurality of coins by varying the thickness thereof as required for the different holders 2I2.

In Fig. 13, a card 248 is shown having openings punched therein which are arranged to actuate the apparatus. A plurality of holes 250 are used to complete an electrical circuit only when they are arranged in a predetermined pattern. This allows a combination to be set up which will detect a spurious card and cause its rejection. A plurality of holes 252 are disposed to introduce the zone or other information as to the point of beginning of service. A notch 254 is located at one side of the center of the edge of the card first introduced into the card reader.

The notch 254 makes impossible the acceptance of the card 248 unless properly introduced into the device so that it may be correctly scanned. A second notch 256 in card 248 is disposed in one edge thereof to provide for the opening of switch I48 (Fig. 1) before the card has completed its passage beneath brush I 42 and to also permit opening of switch I04 at the proper moment. A hole 258 opposite notch 256 and spaced therefrom provides for the energization of slip ring 26I (Fig. 1a) on stepping switch 260. Switch 266 is a conventional stepping switch wherein each impulse to a pair of magnetic coils 262 advance a contactor 264 to the next of a plurality of contacts 266.

With a main disconnecting switch 268 closed (Fig. 1) power is available to operate the equipment from a battery 210 having one terminal thereon, connected torground' 212 as '7 generally installedion transportation: vehicles;

Upon .closing switch 268 lb}! :theaoperator of the YQhiQlQr; the -solenoid; 88 is; energized through: the followin circuit:

From battery 21 03 through/closed :switelr 2S3,- wires 214 and 216 and solenoid 88 toground: 2-12.

Operation of solenoid;,88 removes gate 86 :from openingti tianclgallows insertion of card 2424mm I e196, Untilpower is supplied-for operation of; ;the, equipmentiinsertionxof the card 248 into opening is thusv prevented;

lnisertiongof .a card 12M! ziormedrand punched-as shown in; Figs. 13;; vertically into passagejgt with ltciod hal ng, notch 1 254; leading, will; actuate thQJorwusparts, of" the card :reading .device as czmd ult travelsi through-passagexSG; Whenv the card 248 is properly inserted, anotohr254 thereof eRmoS-thelower arm-.90 while the adj acentaeolge oiflzhe card ;-strikes,, leyerrl 021' Lcausing rotation therqoiand closingofswitch I04 lithe card is improperly-inserted; notch 254: will not: register! with lower arm 90 and. the edge of card 248 will strike; armtli andu be iheld away from lever-m2; Whemswitch IIHLis not-actuated,*passage or a candrithrough thc :readingrmechanisrn; is pre vented joy-lowerarm 90; When switch, H74 C1Q5Qd ,;l2h6 ;fl0i1 j0f2.1136181!2183 is energized: as: io1- lows:

' Bh'qm battery 2110 through closed switch 268,

wire 214;:closed switchxjkIII4,--llne.28i and" tliie coil on relayt 21-3 to ground 2l2 When; the coil of-grelay 213; is'energizecl; a pair of norma y ncmcontacts 250i is closed; "thereby, energiaing solcnoid 94 througha circuittraceable frpm-pattery fl 0, through; closed switch 238, wire 214;2 1-5; and ;284 ,'-closed ;contacts 2S8; wire ant} tiiflwclosed contacts-3w,iwirestil'it and u a, the-coilof solenoid-19,4; to groundzlz; an the coll of a re1ay 28 2; iis energizedzthrough'; the following 0 11 11 1;

From ybattcry, 210% through; closed; switch 258;

wireazfli 216i and, 286; closed: contacts 28.0,: wires MEMIGQBB, :ando-the coil of .relayg282' to ground This closcscontacts x3 I 3 ;of relay-2 8 2: to energize a holdingcircuitfor solenoid: Strasufollows: I

- From;battery-2 1fl;through, closed switch 258';

wires L214, 216,; 284-tand -3 I 2 closed contacts- 3 I 3'; wire .3I4. and solenoidl e to ground 222 Solenoidflll actuates, gates All]; and moves the lower of the. pair of=gates 90 :out of the passagewayrst ancl moves the upper .of the pair negates fllllinto the passa eway llfieimmediately. below opening 84 and obstructs the insertioi rof another card 248 into the reading device until thejcycle has'been completed and all electrical circuits are reset." Solenoid 94 holds upper gate, at inthe closed position-after the card has'passed lever I02,'-which-returns to its normal position and allowsswitch I04 to open, by virtue of the following: holding circuit for relay 282:

From battery 210 throughclosed switch 268; wires-21,4; 216,, 284 and 3l2yclosecL-contacts 3|3,i

wire-316; normally closed contacts 349 of "a relay 3I8, wires 320 and ZBsandthe. coil-oi=relay-282 to'ground212.

Thus, relay 282 and solenoid 94-remainenergiz ed until the coil of therelay3i8 :is energized.

Energization of relay 218 also closed contacts 295 ,to energizethe coils of relays 288, 292rand- 298, all coupled to ground 212 and in-parallel with the following circuit:

From battery 210, through closed switch 268, lines 214, 216 and 234, closed contacts 256, lines 290,- 294and-300, normally closed contacts 302;

line 306; normallyvcl'osrd switch I34 and lines 303 and 3I0.-

Closing otcontact points 289 of relay 288 completes the following circuit through the coil oi' a relay'324:

From battery 210, through closedswitch 268; lines 214, 216, 284 and 320, closed contacts 289; line 322 and the coil of relay 324 to ground 212; RelayzlBBhasa holding circuit as hereinafter described and the'relay 324 is held closed until 1'elayw288 is cleenergized.

Anelectrical condenser 326 is connectecldn parallel with the coil of relay 324 andhasa capacity LSuflicient to hold the contacts thereof closed fora short interval after the power supply tothe coil has been: termin'atecl.- When contact points 323, of'relay 324 are'cl'osed;'tlie following circuit is completed throughthe-prime'mover I54:

From-'batteryTI-El through closed switchr268, lines 2144, 2T6,*284','-3 I2; closed contacts 323,;1ine 328w (Figsz- 1 and 1b) and. prime-mover I54*-to ground 212m" Relay *2it2'is heldclosed byva circuittraced as follows:

From battery:Zlllfithrough closed switch 268, lines 234, 21 6, 284 and'320,-c1osed contacts 293, lines 3-28 and 3GB, normally closed switch' l34, line 355, normallyTclosed'contacts 302i line'3DI'I and the: coil ofi-relay -232 to ground 2'52; Relay 288 is helolclosed through the above cireuitand continuing through line 294;

Relay ZllSris held-closed as follows From battery 2m 'through closed switch 268, lines I 2174, 2'26, "fiilb'ancl 320,=contactpoints 293; lines and'SIIl and the 'coilof relay 298 to ground 2.? 2'.

Although switch 104'- op'ensascard 2G8 passes downwardly in passage 9fiibe'yond arm" I02; thereby deenergizi'ng relay 21S and opening contacts 288* and 296, relays-282, '288; 292; 298 'ancl-'32-4;

solenoids? and Brand motor 'iii iy'all remain brushes 1H2, strips"! It and-III; lines 335, 334

andxnormallyiclosed contact points 336of relay 334; line 338Llanmsolenoid- I22.

The action of the brushes I iz i n making electrical contact through the openings25ilin card this to provide a means of determiningthe validityiof'theY card 248 before itcontinues fur therathroughithe card reading" device: By the use of a plurality of hrushes II 2 it is possible' to arrange a large number of different 'patternsfoi' the arrangementwot openings 2-50] The -precletermined arrangement of -"b1'ushes l I2 Willserve to allow-the rejection of all cards" 248 which do not have openings 250 in 'the' predetermined i arrangement: Unless the openings -253 are in the predetermined pattern and allof the brushes I=I2 make 'oontact therethrough at the same instant} thecirc'uit to solenoid "I 22 will not be "completed! deflector I20 will not be moved out of passage- Way 96, and card 248 will be rejected along slide plate I26 by frictional engagement with wheel 60 which is rotated by prime mover I54. It is necessary to connect the brushes H2 and plates H and III in series electrically as above described to provide the feature that all of brushes I I2 must engage an opening 256 at the same time to make the circuit complete. With the brushes I I2 arranged to make contact through holes 256 as shown in Fig. 13, it would be impossible to complete the circuit by the use of a card 248 having a hole arrangement such as shown in Fig. 14 or any other arrangement not as shown in Fig. 13.

Brushes H2 are positioned by the rotation of cams 66 which produce longitudinal motion of push rods 62. An individual cam 66 being provided for each of the plurality of brushes H2 allows the arranging of a large number of pattern combinations.

Cams 66 are rotated by the action of the similar number of solenoids 18 on mechanisms 16 to provide a series of positions for each brush H2 along its path of travel. A solenoid 18 is energized by the operation of a push button switch 340 which completes the following circuit:

From battery 210, through line 342, a closed switch 340, line 344, a solenoid 18, to ground 212.

The number of positions of each brush H2 along guides 68 depends therefore, on the number of teeth on ratchets 16, and it is apparent that brushes H2 may be selectively moved from one position, horizontally aligned to a large number of relative positions as desired. The setting 7 can be changed periodically and quickly by merely actuating one or more switches 348 to prevent fraud and to foil any attempt to beat the system.

When the brushes I I2 make contact through openings 250 in card 248, the coil of a relay 346 is energized, the circuit being traced as follows:

From battery 210, through closed switch 268. line 214, closed switch I84, line 330, closed switch ;I I6, line 332, brush I52, one of rods 62, brush H2. strip III, center rod 62, electrically coupled brushes H2, another rod 62, brush H2, plate H0, lines 335 and 348, coil of relay 346 to ground 212. .Thus, solenoid I22 is maintained inan energized condition by the following circuit:

From battery 210, through closed switch 268, lines 354 and 250, closed contacts of relay 346, line 252 and solenoid I22 to ground 212. This event takes place before the card 248 reaches diverter I 20.

v Relay 346 is held closed until relay 304 is energized as follows:

From battery 210, through closed switch 268. lines 354 and 250, the closed contacts of relay 346, lines 252 and 338, normally closed contacts 336, lines 334 and 348 and relay 346 to ground With diverter I 28 held out of passageway 96,. card 248 will be moved between plate I86 and brushes I40 and I42 and ultimately be moved to ,the end of its path of travel by frictional engagement with the rotating wheel 46. As card 248 moves along, brush I40 will register with one or more holes 252 in card 248 and make electrical contactwith conductor I38. Brush I42 registers with hole 258 as the card 248 moves through passageway 96, after all of the holes 252 have passed brush I40. The leading edge of card 248 strikes lever I 46 and rotates the same which closes switch I48. The relative locations of brushes I 48 and I42 and lever I46 are arranged so that switch I48 will be closed before and during the register of brushes I and I 42 with holes 252 and 258 respectively.

Downward movement of card 248 to break the circuits through brushes H2 and strips IIO and III and to reopen switch I04, will have no effect on withdrawn gate I20 because of the holding circuit through closed contacts 336 as above set forth. Also, reopening of switch I04 to deenergize solenoid 218 will have no effect on upper gate 98 nor upon the energized condition of relays 282, 288, 282, 288 and 324, as well as solenoids 88 and 94 and motor I54 as above analyzed.

With switch I 48 closed and one of holes 252 receiving brush I48, the pair of solenoids 262 (Fig. 1a) will be energized as follows:

From battery 210 through closed switch 268, lines 354, 356, 358, 366, closed contacts 362 on switch I48, line 364, brush I40, conductor I38, line 366, one solenoid 262, line 368 and a second solenoid 262 to ground 212.

Thus, for each hole 252, solenoids 262 are energized once and arm 264 is advanced to a new position around its path of travel.

With brush I42 in register with hole 258 in card 248 and switch I48 closed by the action of card 248 on lever I46, a relay 316 is energized as fol-v lows:

From battery 210, through closed switch 268, lines 354, 356, 358 and 360, closed contact points 310 on switch I48, line 312, brush I42, conductor I44, line 314 and the coil of relay 316, to ground 212.

When the coil of relay 316 is energized, a relay 386 is energized as follows:

From battery 210, through closed switch 268, lines 354, 356, 358, 318 and 380, closed contact points of relay 316, lines 382 and 384, and the coil of relay 386 to ground 212.

A holding circuit for relay follows:

From battery 210, through closed switch 268, lines 354, 356, 358, 318 and 388, closed contact points of relay 386, line 390, normally closed contact points of relay 392, lines 394, 384 and the coil of relay 386 to ground 212.

Thus, the coil of relay 386 remains energized even after brush I42 is interrupted by continued downward movement and after switch I48 is reopened, until the coil of relay of 392 is energized and the normally closed contacts of relay 392 are thereby opened. After the card 248 has passed brushes I40 and I42, and lever I46 is released, thus returning switch I 48 to its normally open position, and deenergizing relay 316 but not relay 386, card 243 has completed the reading cycle and is discharged from the passageway 96.-

V In the event that the combination circuit through brushes H2 is not made, diverter plate I20 is not removed from the passage 96 and the card 248 follows the alternate path alon slide plate I26. In following the alternate or rejection path,'lever I28 is actuated by the leading ,edge of card 248 and the normally open switch I30 is closed thereby.

When switch I 30 is closed, a relay 404 is energized as follows:

From battery 210 through closed switch'268, lines 354, 356 and 396, a normally closed manual switch 398, line 400, closed switch I30, lin 402 and the coil of relay 404 to ground 212.

When the coil of relay 404 is thus energized, the

386 is traced as 1 1 followingcircuit maybe. traced toan alarm bell 410:

From battery'210, throughclosedswitch 268, lines 354, 355 and 396, closed switch 308; lines 400, 406, closed contact points of relay 404, line 400 and alarm bell'4l to ground 212.

An'indicating lamp 4I2is1connccted-iin paralleiwithbell 4I0 through'line- 4I4'to ground 212. A circuit'through alnorma'lly closed-push button switch Mimaintainsthe coilof relay; 404 -inan energizedcondition afterswitch I30 is' closed by connecting from line 408 to switch 416; through line-4 I Btto. the=coilof relay 404: The alarm 4 l 0 will .continue to operate until it is'silencedby the openingrof pushbutton 416 and the alarm system'may beremovedlfrom service. by opening the,v manual switch 398; The function; of the alarm H0 is to notify the operator. ofzthe vehicle that an attempt had been made to usea spurious card andthat the card had. been rejected.

Asithe" rejected card 248 continues alongslide plate I26, lever I32? is; actuatedyby theleading edge of the card 248 which opens: the: normally closed: switch I34-thus deenergizing the coils-of relays. 292 and 288rwhich in turn allows 11211610011- tact points of relay 208' to open and deenergize thezooilof relay324: When the contacts of relay324 open asza resultxofiits coilbeinggdeen'er; gized,.the=operation of primemover-v I54 isidiscontinued. Opening of contacts 293 deenergizes relay. 298; but relay. 28 2 and solenoid: 94 remain energizedtokeepupper gate-:90 closed. Theapparatus is not automatically.resetland uppergate 80 opened when airejected card 240 passesthrough the mechanism since upon hearing alarm M0 and seeing light 4| 2; tha-operatort may: desire to investigate. He thereupon vvzleenergizeszthe entire electrical system .to. open upper: gate. 90 by openingiswitchlfia. Aftercard248: passes lever I32; it; has. completed. the. rejection; cycle and leaves the machine.

Reverting; again to-the operationwhen card 248 is accepted, the coil of relay 298 being energized; closesaset of normally, opencontacts'flfi which in turn closes thefollowing circuitthrough a-solenoid 42 2? (Fig; 5')

From batter-32210:, through closed switch.268, lines 354, 356, 358,318; 380-, M8, closed; contact pointsn4I6, line 4201andsolenoidr422: to. ground 232;

Whenisolenoidi4-22 is-.energized; it actuatesia triplepole: double throw. switch 424': which controls; circuits: to the change dispension.-. device. When. switch424 is .inthe positionshown-in Fig;

5; current from battery 210 will flow throughline- 432 switch 424, line 42'8'to solenoidl2i22and enerr gize the same. Gate 2I5I will immediately as.- sume the dotted lineposition. shown ma s; Anilluminatedindicator' 4301s. connected to bats tery 210 through line'432, switch .424 and'line 434.

When' anothercard is inserted and the read.- ing-cycle isbeghnagaih; solenoid 422 is energized and: switch: 424 is actuated into the alternate position in which solenoid 222 returnsgate 2I6 tolits'normalipositiom. In the alternate position, sm'tch 424 completesia. circuit frombattery 210 through line. 432, switch, 42 4', line 435 to illuminate indicator 438.

Change from tubes .2I 2 :and'funnel 21 4 is therefore dumped alternately into branches 21 8 by. the gate 216.. for]. deliveryto customersyupon opening gate. 224. If. one. customer is slow in receiving his change, thechange. of a second. customer placing a card: in passage. 90: will= pass to. the other. branch 2I8-. Gnce energized; solenoid2222 12 remains so untilithetnext card: 248 is deposited or until switch ZEIJ'is reopened.

Each of contact points 26B is COIlIlBCtGd-ltdlfl; corresponding brushil18 offthe annular-series of brushes l18"on stationary'member I11 (Figs; 111-, lb. and 2), by a plurality ofslines440 which are connected to points 268" andrholders I: for brushes I18; Brushes I18 each engage, one: of

contacts: I16 in the outermost row 'thereoforrdise I14, whichconductelectrical energy tOTCOIiIIGCt ing'strips: l'iilwl'iich' may be. in turn connected bythe insertion of. screw I13. (Fig. 12) to' any or all of the contacttpoints I12 along theiradi'al line coinciding'with the strip I15 on.the iace'of disc I14.

The'arm IE6 is rotated continuously'by prime mover I54 andthe plurality of'brushes I53 close the circuits, from contacts. I12. to. energizethe corresponding'slip rings I10onplate I51; Each of slip rings I10iis connected electrically to'the corresponding coil of a relay broadlyd'esignated by thenumeral (442:

With the relay 380:.held'energized; one onmore" of the coils of 1'elay442i areaenergized as'follows:

From battery'210" (Fig. 1) throughclosed switch 26-8,.lines' 35-4, 356; 358'; E1B and=388 closedi'contacts of're1ay' iB5,.1ine 439 (Figspl andla), slip ring 26I ofswitch 260,-:arm 264, one'contact'266 then engagedby arm1264: one=line-440' (Figs; 1'0, 1'7) and 2), a corresponding. holder: IB0 and'1its brush I10, aconta'ct': I15 and'it's' strip I15 points i121 brushes I68; slipiril'lgsllfl'ilines .444 and oertainof' thecoils ofirelay. 442flto g-round 212;

It is to be understoodlat this" point that there is a brush I68; a coil ingroup 442 and a coin tube.2l2v(Figs. 5 andfi) for each coindenomination respectively and for each:.ph1ra1- discharge possibility required? for certain ci the denomina tions to be used in making change. Thus, the strips I15 are variously'connected with one or morecontacts I12; Accordingly, the-brush (or brushes I08) that is :charged, depends-upon how many times switch 260 has been stepped (as determined. by thenumber of'openings 252" in card 248) and2the position of arm'2B4' when ring 201 (Fig. 1a) is'energized.

A brush I is'connected in -parallelwitl'i each brush I18 respectively and a-circuit' from the brush holder I80 of the circuit last'tracedis'completed as follows:

From .said brush. holder I 80through'a line'- 448, abrush: I90; one: contacttl94 on disc I86, a connecting strip 448; a-contact-I8B;.a.-.brush.450, one line-452, and" an. indicating: lamp: 454" to ground 212.

Disc I80 on: shaftv I82 is. stepped up. bythe rotation of shaft I82 through solenoid 2.04and escapement I96 in thesameimanneras disc. I14 and. the annular series stationary brushes. I90 are eachconnectedin parallelwith a respective brush I16. With this arrangement, calibrated indicating lights 454 will function to indicatethe amount of return fare due as the computer. calculates the amount'dueby'the information from card 248 and the position of'disc I86 as'determined by the distance the vehicle has traveled orthe' zone in which the vehicle is presently operating.

Discs I 14 and I BIi'are i positioned by the-operator of the vehicle through a remote' control push button: 456 which completes the-following circuit for-the .escapement mechanisn'rl 90 through solenoid204z Iirom. battery 210- (Fig; 1 through a switch 261 to be closed by: the operator; line '465 (Figs.

13 1 and 2), line 458, closed switch 456, line 460 and solenoid 204 to ground 212.

The annular series of stationary contacts 210 (Fig. 2) each having a calibrated indicating lamp 462, correspond to each position of discs 186 and 114, i. e. the number of teeth in escapement gear 198, and the circuit for one lamp 462 is traced as follows:

From battery 210 (Fig. 1) through closed switch 261, line 465 (Figs. 1 and 2), line 458, a lamp 462, a contact 210 and brush 209 to ground 212.

Observation of the indicating lamp 462 which is glowing will give the operator of the vehicle information as to the setting of discs 186 and 114.

It is noted in Fig. 1a that a pair of coin tube assemblies is illustrated. Both are adapted to handle the same denomination, one coming into operation when the other is depleted of coins. Each of the relays of series 442 operates a pair of such assemblies. Assuming therefore, one of these relays, designated as 4420: to have been closed by charging ring 261, the circuit for energizing relay 240 to return a coin as change, is traced as follows;

From battery 210 (Fig. 1) through closed switch 268, lines 214, 216, 284 and 464 (Figs. 1 and 2), closed contacts of relay 442a, lines 466 and 461, lever 234a of empty tube 212a, contact 468 of switch 236a, line 410, lever 234, contact 414 of switch 236, line 416 and solenoid 240 to ground 212.

Relay 442a is held closed by a circuit from line 466 through line 416, the normally closed contacts of switch 246a, line 489, switch 246, line 482 to the coil of relay 442a.

Operation of solenoid 240 actuates coin slide 238 which allows one or a plurality of coins to be discharged according to the form of gate 238 and further opens switch 246 which deenergizes the coil of relay 442a and deenergizes solenoid 240. As can be seen, the function of switch 236a is to transfer control to coin tube 212 when the supply of coins in tube 212a is exhausted. Line 484 connected to contact 486 of switch 236 may be connected to a third coin dispenser if desired, to go into operation and become energized when the absence of coins allows lever 234 to move into the coin tube 2| 2.

Prime mover 154 is deenergized through the action of coin slide 238 closing the normally open contacts of switch 244, thus supplying voltage to the coil of relay 304 (Fig. 1) by means of a circuit from power line 464, through lines 484 and 486, closed switch 244, lines 488 and 490, and the coil of relay 304 to ground 212.

When relay 304 opens contacts 302, it also deenergizes the coils of relays 288, 292 and 298. When the contacts of relay 288 open, relay 324 is deenergized with a delay caused by electrical condenser 326 and the power supply to prime mover 154 is cut off by the opening of the contacts 323 of relay 324. The delay assures discharge of either the rejected or accepted card before stopping of motor 154.

When relay 292 is deenergized, the coil of relay 298 is deenergized which allows contacts 416 to open and deenergize slip ring 261 on stepping switch 260. In Fig. lot, there is shown a pair of cams 495 and 501 for operating normally open switch 588, and normally closed switch 496 respectively. Cams 495 and 591 are ganged together for rotation with a rotatable shaft 509 that is rigid to ratchet 511 and armature 513 of switch 260. Consequently, as soon as solenoids 262 are initially energized by the action nil of card 248 in passage 96 to step-up arm 264', one or more positions, cam 495 isrotated to close switch 496.

It is always necessary to return arm 264 to a home position, i. e. that shown in Fig. 1d, at the end of each cycle of operation, by continuing the rotation of arm 264 from the point to which it was initially stepped by card 248 to said home position and continuing the rotation of cam 495 to reopen switch 496.

With switch 496 closed, the following circuit through solenoids 262 is made when contacts 492 of relay 298 are reclosed by deenergization of relay 298:

From battery 210 through lines 354, 356, 358, 318, 380, 418, points 492, line 494 (Figs. 1 and 1a), the cam switch 496, line 498, closed con-; tacts 501 of a switch 500, line 502, to solenoids 262.

Each time armature 513 is actuated, it swings a flexible bar 515 to alternately close contacts 501 and 503 of switch 500. Thus, continuous stepping of switch 260 will move cam 495 to a position, as shown opening switch 496. Thus the switch 269 is motored to home or normal position where switch 496 is open and solenoids 262 are thereby deenergized.

When switch 134 is opened by the rejection of a card 248, a similar result is obtained as when points 302 open, it being necessary to return the device to normal and terminate the operations of its components.

When relay 304 is energized and contacts 336 are opened, the coil of relay 346 is deenergized and the contacts thereof are opened which cuts off the power supply to solenoid 122 and diverter plate 120 returns to a position across passageway 96.

In the event that the fare owed is equal to the amount deposited for the card 248 and con sequently the coin dispenser would not be required to return change, a separate circuit is provided to perform the function of switch 244. The coil of relay 442d connected to one of the slip rings 110, is energized by an electrical imipulse therefrom through a line 506., When the contact points of relay 442d are closed, a circuit is made from power line 464 through the points of relay 442d and line 489 and 490 to the coil of relay 304. Thus the device is brought into normal condition in readiness for another cycle of operation.

Immediately before switch 260 has completed its motoring to home position, cam switch 508 closes and reopens, the-closing whereof completes a circuit from power line 464 through line 484, 510, switch 508, line 512 to the coil of relay 318. The second connection on relay 318 is made to ground 212. The energization thereby of relay 318 opens the normally closed contacts thereof which breaks the circuit to the coil of relay 282 and allows the contacts thereof to open. When the contacts of relay 282 have opened, solenoid 94 is deenergized and the upper end of gate 91! moves out of-closing relationship with opening 84. Thus, the cycle of operation of the card reading and the computing devices is completed and the circuits and equipment are in readiness for the beginning of another cycle by the insertion of another card.

After the coins have been discharged into the dispensing apparatus, the hand is placed beneath the appropriate spout having the indicating marker 430 or 438 illuminated, the fingers are pressed against striker plate 232, thus .closammo Big switch 233 which makes a circuitfrom batmy 210 through line 5H], switch 233, line fiii! and solenoid 230, to ground 212. When solenoid 230 is energized, it actuates coin do'o'r221l and allows the money in the'spout 2I8 to fall into the recipients" hand.

Assuming first that avalid card'248 is inserted in passage 96 after manual closing of switch 23Bto open gate 84 through energization of solenoid 88, a summary of the operation is as fols Notch 234 of card 248 receives lower gateilil and'the lower edge of card 248 closes'swi'tch I04. Belay 21B is energized and remains so until switch I04 reopens. Relays 282, 288, 252 and 298 are en ergizd by virtue of energization of relay 2T8. Energiz'ation of relay 282 energizes solenoid 94 to actuate gates 92, permitting further passage oi card 248 and preventing entrance of additional census in passage 96. p Remy 282 is held closed through thenorinally asses contacts 3I9 of relay 3I8 thus, gates 88 areheld in the actuated condition by energized Solenoid 94 until'subsequent energization of relay 318, irrespective of deenergization of relay 2" By reopening of Switch ")4.

Energization of relay 28'8 energizes relay 3 24 to in turn energize motor I54; relays'2Bs and 252 are heldclosd through'normally closed contacts I34 "and the normally closed contacts 302of relay 304; and relay 298 is 'held closed through contacts 293 of relay 292. Thus, until relay 3% is subsequently energized or switch I34 opened by an invalid card, rela s 238, 324, 262, 29s and mdtor I 5L4 all remain energized irrespective of deerier'gization of relay 218 by reopening of switch I04.

Closing of relay 298 energizes solenoid422 to actuate-switch 424 and thereby either release or energize "solenoid 222, 'moving gate 2H5 and illuminatingeither lamp 439 or '4 38.

As'card 248coritinues downwardly in passage 93, switch I04 reina'in's closed, brushes II'2 are moved out of contact with plate I'I'O and II S and switch I I8 is closed. As soon as brushes H2 register'with openings 250 of card 248 and while switches I04 and H6 are closed, solenoid I22 is energized to move diverter plate 12B out of passage 96, and relay "346 is energized, providing a 'hblding circuit for solenoid I22. held-closed through normally closed contacts 336 of relay 304, and thus, until relay 304 is subsequently energized, plate I will remain out of passage 96, irrespective of "breaking of contact between-brushes I'I2 and'plates II!) and III, and

opening ofsw'itches I04 and I I B.

a As openings 252 register 'withbrush I40 and as contacts 362 of switch I48 are held closed by card 248; solenoids 262 are energized to advance 284 one step for each hole 252 to position the'arm 254 on'one of the annular series of sta' tionary contacts 268.

When opening 253 of card 248 registers with brush I4-2and while contacts 310 of switch IE8 remain closed, relay 316 is energized to energize relay 386, the latter being held by closed contactsoi relay 392. Relay 392 is later energized by closing contacts of switch 244 or 2 54a or by closing contacts of relay 44272. Energization of relay 386 supplies energy to selected coils of the bank of relays 442.

In one use of the system hereof, a particular bus" or "street car route is divided into zones, for instance zones I to 24 extending from one end of the line or route to the other. Thus, a coni6 tact point 266 on switchf258, a conductor. strip I and contacts lit and I12 on disc I14 are provided for each zone. Initially a card 2li3 is punched'through mechanism on the streetcar (and not here shown) and handed to a boarding passenger in return for payment of apredetermined fare covering the entire route. Such mechanism is advanced by the motorman as each zone is entered, simultaneously with advance of disc I14 and through interconnection therewith if desired. Accordingly, the number of openings 252, punched in card 248 will depend on the zone in which the passenger boards the car. An'dthe amount of change returned to suchpa's senger will depend on the zone in which he'departs from the car.

Thus, disc H4 is advanced one position each time a new zone is entered and stands ready to determine the amount of change each passenger should receive as he leaves the bus or car in such zone. The amount of his original fare to be returned then depends on the nature of his card and how far it is able to advance the arm 264 of switch 260.

Let it'be assumed that a card 2'08 having one opening 252 (indicating boarding in zone one) is inserted into the passage 96. Arm 284 will be advanced to contact 266a. Let it be assumed further that stationary contact I'HJa corresponds to contact 266d being electrically. connected therewith, and that the passenger who received the card 258 in zone one, has passed through seventeen zones. The motorman will have advanced disc I14 seventeen positions, moving contact I'Hib, and its connecting strip 515d into engagement with stationary contact IlBc. Note that disc Hit has eight annular rows oi contacts I72 and corresponding for instance, from the inner row out to one penny, two pennies, three pennies, four pennies, two dimes, one nickel, one dime an'd'nothing. This last contact indicating a full fare, is provided for closing of relay 44% described previously. Thus strip I'I5a, is capable of returning a fare of six cents in the form of one nickel and one penny.

Since arm ISiiis continuously rotated by motor I54, its brushes I58 will move intoalignment with contacts IlZa and i'i2c, that are energized by strip Ilia. Brushes Itta and IE'Bc will thus be energized to return a nickel and'a penny from the respective tubes H2 or 2I2a as the case may be. As shown in Fig. 1; tubes 2I2 or 2I2a would eject the one penny, being energized thro'ughie lay 442a. A second bank of tubes 2I2 (not shown), would be used to eject the nickel, this bank being energized through relay 4420.

In the event that the passenger had boarded in zone two, the card issued would have two openings 252 as shown in Fig. 14. Assuming that this passenger leaves the conveyance in the same zone as the passenger above described, this passenger then would have passed through sixteen zones having boarded onezone later than the first passenger. The disc I'M would remain in its 17th position. Ann 264 will advance to contact 2660. Let it be assumed further that stationary con tact I730 corresponds to contact 2660. In its 17th position, contact H60 and its connecting strip I will have moved into engagement with stat'ionary contact I180. Contacts I126 andv I'IZb would thus be energized when opening 258 of card 248 registered with brush I42 (Fig. 1), slip ring 26I or switch 261) being energized at "this point. With arm I 66 rotating; brushes 168i) and me of arm I65 will then move mtg; alignment with contacts H22) and H211. Relay coils 442i) and 4420 will thus be energized to cause one nickel and two pennies to be ejected as previously described. The second passenger will then be refunded one cent more than the first passenger, having ridden less distance.

It is obvious that there should also be some means of informing the operator of the relative positions of brushes HZ. This calls for three additional gears l4 (not shown) to be mounted to mesh with gears 14 shown in Fig. 1, these gears to move rotary arms similar to arm 2&9 shown in Fig. 2. Likewise, each contact arm would be provided with an annular series of contacts, equal in number to the number of positions of push rods 52 as determined by cam 56 and ratchet assembly 16. Each contact of these annular series would be connected to an individual indicator lamp, similar to lamps .62 (Fig. 2) to indicate the respective positions of brushes I I2.

It is appreciated that the above sequence for disc Ild can be changed as desired or needed by merely removing, adding or rearranging the metal screws lid to connect one or more contacts I72 with metaliic strips H5 in preselected order.

Also of significance, is the manner of avoiding fraud by changing the relative positions of brushes H2 through adjustment of cam 86, and corresponding readjustment of the card punching mechanism.

The motorman will always know the position of disc lit by virtue of calibrated lamp 462 and will be advised of the amount of fare returned to each passenger by reading lamps 45A, energized through operation of disc I86.

The operation when an invalid card finds its way to plate l 25 and the way in which switch 269 returns to Home position and the entire sys tem made ready to receive another card to be read has been made clear above and need not be repeated.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a change return system, a number of coin containers; an electric circuit; an electrically controlled dispen ing assembly for each of said coin containers respectively; a program switch having movable contact means coupled with said assemblies and a shiftable selector provided with a number of electrical conductors within the path of travel of said contact means, and a number of stationary contacts within the path of travel of said conductors; a stepping switch having a stationary contact point coupled with each of said stationary contacts respectively and a stepping arm connected with said electric circuit; and apparatus for receiving a receipt having indications formed thereon, said apparatus including means for controlling said stepping indications as the receipt passes through the apparatus.

2. A change return system comprising a number of coin containers; an electric circuit; an electrically controlled dispensing assembly for each of said coin containers respectively; a program switch having movable contact means coupled with said assemblies and a shiftable selector provided with a number of electrical conductors, each having one or more contact points within the path of travel of said contact means, said program switch having a number of stationary contacts within the path of travel of said conductors; a stepping switch having a staarm and adapted for operation by said tionary contact point coupled with each of said stationary contacts respectively and a stepping arm connected with said electric circuit, and apparatus for receiving a receipt having indications formed thereon, said apparatus including means for controlling said stepping arm and adapted for operation by said indications as the receipt passes through the apparatus.

3. A change return system comprising a number of coin containers; an electric circuit; an electrically controlled dispensing assembly for each of said coin containers respectively and adapted to dispense diITering amounts of change; a program switch having movable contact means coupled with said assemblies and a shiftable selector provided with a number of electrical conductors, each having one or more contact points within the path of travel of said contact means, said program switch having a number of stationary contacts within the path of travel of said conductors, said conductors being in side-byside series, the contact points of the conductors being arranged. relative to said assemblies for progressively decreased amounts of change to be dispensed as one end of the series is approached; a stepping switch having a stationary contact point coupled with each of said stationary contacts respectively and a stepping arm connected with said electric circuit; and apparatus for receiving a receipt having indications formed thereon, said apparatus including means for controlling said stepping arm and adapted for operation by said indications as the receipt passes through the apparatus.

4. In a change return system for use with receipts having indications thereon, said system including a stepping switch having a series of stationary, electrical contacts, an electrical circuit, said stepping switch having an electrical contactor, series-coupled in said circuit and movable to successively engage the contacts of the stepping switch; structure for moving said contactor; a plurality of coin dispensing assemblies; an electrical actuating device for each assembly respectively; receipt-advancing apparatus having means connected with said structure and sensitive to indications on a receipt advanced through said apparatus for controlling said structure; variable means having an electrical conductor for each of said contacts respectively and selectively engageable therewith; a number of contact points on each conductor respectively and disposed in a number of prearranged groups; and a movable electrical conductor for each of said groups respectively and connected in series with each device respectively for successive, sweeping engagement with the contact points of its corresponding groups to actuate one of said assemblies upon energization of said circuit according to the positioning of the contactor by said structure relative to the contacts of the stepping switch and according to the positioning of said conductors relative to the contacts of the stepping witch.

5. In a change return system for use with receipts having indications thereon, said system including a program switch having a series of stationary, electrical contacts, a movable disc, and an electrical sweep arm movable relative to the disc; a series of electrical conductor strips arranged on said disc for successive engagement with said contacts of the program switch as the disc is moved; a number of electrical contact points on each strip respectively; a plurality of electrical contact elements on said arm and suc aceasro aid contactpoints as e to the disc; a pin the al inc'veai rality or coin ais ei r; asseiniiies; an electrical actu: g device for cibiy respectiveiy,

,icl. devices i: a connected with a corres mmsg co nt; receipt-advancing p aratiis having control means sensi tive to inc cations on a rccei t advanced through anti means in controi said circuit F mean for coupling the ci e contact depending upon rccei it wii reby, as the sration of sw rl cations on said 1 moves, and an assembly to saici within the v sue of a oierieterinineri positioning 0 relative to i trical ct err-ping switch r? 'espcnti I 3' contact 1.; i 1

circuit, an electrical conta aisle to sec stepping" sen tactor, sai disc and elect sweep arr-,1 movable r strive to the c; a series of electrical contiuctor stri iis arr ed on sait'i disc for successive engagement w.tl1 said contacts oi program switch. as the i c moved; a nu er of electhe trical contact points on each strip respectively; 5 on said 20 as the sweep arm moves, and upon energizaticn of said. circuit, one of said assemblies is actuated according to a predetermined positioning oi disc relative to the contacts of the program switch and according to the positioning oi the contactor by said structure relative to the contacts of the stepping switch.

7. In a change return system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the selector is rotatable and said conductors are arranged radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the selector.

8. In a change return system as set forth in claim wherein each conductor is provided with one or more contact points disposed to present a plurality of concentric, arcuate rows tioereo; on the selector.

9. In a change return system set forth in. claim 8, wherein said movable contact means incinoles a brush for each assembly respectively, each crush engageaiole with an arcuate row of said contact points.

10. In a change return as set forth in c ini wherein each brush is coupled in series 'ageab F'RESTOI-i E. DU

References Cited in the file of this patent 

